Automatic discharge applicator for dispensing containers



'nec a, 1941. KM AN I 2,265,603

AUTOMATIC DISCHARGE APPLICATOR FOR DISPENSING CONTAINERS F'iled Jan. 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

e 1941- R. B. KINGMAN 22651503 AUTOMATIC DISCHARGE APPLICATOR FOR DISPENSING CONTAINERS Filed Jan. 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l "i 4 iv 5 0 A? m V 2 6 INVENT OR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 9, 1941 AUTOMATIC DISCHARGE APPLICATOR FOR DISPENSING oo 'rAnvEas Russell B. Kingman, Orange, N. J.

Application January 24, 1940, Serial No. 315,356

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in dispensing containers equipped with discharge appli'cator means through which the content of the container may be emitted and by which it may be operatively applied to an area desired to be treated thereby; and the invention has reference, more particularly, to a novel construction of automatic discharge applicator which is normally closed against emission of the container content, but which opens under pressure incident to operative use thereof as an applicator means.

This invention has for an object to provide a novel automatic discharge applicator for a dispensing container in the form of a closure means for connection with the mouth of the container, and which is provided externally with a suitably supported pervious applicator member, cooperatively combined with which are a plurality of normally closed valved vents adapted to be opened, in whole or in part, in response to pressure, of the whole or selected areas of the applicator member against a surface to which the latter is applied in use; with the result that the emitted content of the container is directed or fed to only that portion of the applicator member which is in use in a given case, and only that quantity of said content is dispensed which is required in such case, whereby said content is efliciently conserved against waste.

The invention has for another object to provide a novel automatic discharge applicator, of the kind and for the purposes stated, which is self-sealing when not in use, to the end that the container content is, further conserved against waste by evaporation or other dissipation.

The invention has for a further object to provide a novel automatic discharge applicator generally useful for dispensing fluent substances, such e. g. as liquids, siftable powders, and the like.

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be understood f-rom the following detailed description of the same.

Illustrative embodiments of the instant invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a dispensing container equipped with one illustrative embodiment of automatic discharge applicator according to this invention, the same being shown in its normally closed, self-sealing condition; Fig. 2 is a top end view of said automatic discharge applicator equipped container, parts beingsuccessively broken away to disclose underlying structure; Fig. 3 .is a fragmentary vertical sectional'view similar to that of Fig. 1,

showing but a portion of the discharge applicator area applied for use, with consequent partial and proportionate opening of the valved vents for emission of the container content; and Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3 but showing the Whole available area of the discharge applicator in use with consequent open condition of all of the valved vents.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a modified embodiment of the discharge applicator means; and Fig. 6 is a top plan view thereof, with portions of the applicator member broken away.

Fig. '7 is also a fragmentary vertical sectional view of another modified embodiment of the discharge applicator means; and Fig. 8 is a top plan view thereof, with parts successively broken away to disclose underlying structure.

Fig. 9, is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing still another modified embodiment of the discharge applicator means.

Similar characters of reference are employed in the above described views, to indicate corresponding parts.

In the drawings, the reference character I indicates a container for holding a supply of fluent material desired to be dispensed; illustratively said material may, e. g., be a liquid cleaning fluid such as commonly used for removing soil spots from garments and other materials. It will be understood, however, that any fluent material, capable of passing from the container interior to and through the pervious material of the applicator member later described, may be dispensed from the container. Said container I is illustratively shown in the form of a glass bottle or jar, but. it will be obvious that the same may comprise a can, box, or other receptacle form which may be made of metal, paper, plastics or any other desired suitable material.

The discharge applicator means, in the embodiment thereof shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive,

I comprises a metallic shell or ferrule 2, illustratively shown as having at its lower end a screwthreaded portion 3 to screw onto the externally threaded neck of the container l, to thereby operatively attach the discharge applicator means to the latter. It will be understood, however, that any other form of connection of the discharge applicator to the container may be resorted to. If, for example, the container 1 is in the form of a can, said shell or ferrule 2 might wellbe formed as an integral part thereof. At

its upper end, said shell or ferrule 2 is provided with an outwardly and upwardly inclined or flared rim section 4. Disposed to lie across and to close the open top of said shell or ferrule 2 is a top plate 5 which is provided, about its periphery, with a dependent inwardly and downwardly inclined or flared clamp flange 6 adapted to extend externally about and to cooperate with said flared rim section 4' of the shell or ferrule 2. The applicator member 'I is arranged to overlie said plate 5 in such manner that its outlying portions extend downwardly over the exterior of the clamp flange 6, being thereupon upturned so that its marginal portions 8- extend upwardly over the interior face of said clamp flange 6. Preferably, a padding 9 of felt, cotton. wool, or

any other suitable material adapted to provide 7 a resilient, pervious mass l5, interposed between the applicator member 1 and said plate 5-. In

some cases, and especially when an applicator h member of substantial bodyisemployed, said padding 9 may be omitted. The applicator member I may be made of any suitable flexibleperviousmaterial, fabric or the like. Preferably a pile fabricis employed. When the applicator for dispensing and applying a liquid fluid- 'for cleaning or similar operations, it-has been found most advantageousto-employ a pile fabrichaving a comparatively stiif brush-like pile, such e. g. as a mohair fabric.

When the applicator member 7 has: been as- CJI closing position; For this purpose a spider form spring member is provided, the same having a central portion l4 centrally affixed to the underside of the plate 5, as by welding the same thereto or by any other suitable means of mechanical connection. Radiating from said central portion 14 are spring arms 15 leading to each valve disk 12, the latter being preferably but not necessarily affixed to the extremities of said arms.

Said spring arms may be of either bowed or straight formation.

Illustrative of the use and operation of the 7 discharge applicator means above described, it

will; be assumed that the container I holds a liquid cleaning fluid or spot remover liquid. When the container I normally stands on its base, or isotherwise positioned but without sub jecting' the applicator means to pressure, the

' valve disks IE will occupy their port closing posembled,'with or without theinterposed padding 9, upon the plate 5- in the manner above described, the assembly is sprung over the flared rim section 4 of the shell or ferrule 2., soas to clamp the marginal portions 8 of the applicator memberbetween' said rim section 4 and-the clamp flange 5,; of. plate :5, thus not only securing the applicator member Tinplace, but alsoengagingthe plate 5 in operative secured assembled relation to the shell on ferrule 2. Amxed to the underside'of the plate-dis a gasket member orpacking sheet Id of soft, resilient and moisture proof. material; such e. g. as rubber ormaterial of equivalent qualities. Preferably, the outer marginal portions of said gasket- 'member or packing sheet Ill extend between the top of the shel'lorferrule rim sectioniand the plate 5, so

as to seal the jointthrebettveen against leakage;

The valved'vents of the discharge applicator means; in one illustrative form thereofas shownin-Fig's. 1= to 4' inclusive; 'areprovided in connectionwith the top plate 5; and comprise a plurality of valve portsf l -extending through said' plate- 5 and-'saidgasket member" I D-which faces theu'nderside thereof: These ports ll are"dis-' posed circumferentially in spacedrel ation around the area'ofthe plate-fi'; preferably soasto-form circular rows thereof; one such' row being 1 cate'd adjacent to the outer. perimeter .of the" applicator member I, and the otherrow-some5 what inwardly-of s'aid-firstmentioned-roW, and

alsoin such relative arrangement that the ports of I one row are in staggered relation to the-ports of 'the' other row.- Of-eourse, other dispositiona'l' arrangement" and spacings of the plurality of ports i-iima-y-be resortedto ifdesired;' Goo perative with each port {l l is; naive d isk, I22 'which" abutsi-the gasket member-faced side of the plate 5 seaas to normally close and-seal the port. Each sitions (see Fig. 1), thus closing and sealing the ports against discharge of the liquid therethrough, or of reduction of the liquid by evaporation. When-useof'the device is desired, the container is inverted, and the applicator member? isapplied to" the material M desired to" be cleaned. Ifthe spot-to be removed is of the'are a'of such pressure. As aconsequenceof this but a limited outflow of cleaning liquid is dis'chargedfand' that is directed toward only that muchofthe area of the applicator, member M It will be obvious, therefore; that the liquid'is-thuscon-- which is in' contact with the material.

served against waste, and onlyso much thereof is dischargedas is required for the limited cleaningtreatment involved; If, however, the area of material tobe: cleaned is large; andconsequently-the' entire area off the applicator member 1 is required" tobebrought into use, then said? entire; area ofthe latter'is contacted with'and pressedagainst the material M, with the result that such pressureis transmitted to all valve disk studs I t'so that all valve disks l2" are forced Open. "'UIlfdI"SllCh" circumstances, a maximum discharge of cleaning liquidis attained so as tov adequately saturate the entireapplicator member-body"(seejFig. 4). Itwill thereforebe understood that;by'the'automatic actionf induced by} pressure of greatenor less, areas of the applica torfmemberi'to the'work', agreater or less quantity 1 of: cleaning liquid will be: discharged both proportionate to and directe'd'or lead to that portion of. the applicator member which is at work,. I

In' Figs. 5' and 61 there is shown a: somewhat modifiedarrangement of thedischarge applica tor meansstrupture, which, however, functions in the same. manner'and with the same advantagesja's' already set'forth; Inthis arrangement;

f the spider form spring member, is attached to valve-disklt'is provided-with anupwardly pro jecting axial stud-43 0f less diameter than the port H, and arranged to project beyond the exterier side 0f the latter.

V V 4 Eachval-vedisklis' independently yieldaloly pressed to normal port the upper'jorjouter face ofthe plate 5 by its cen;

tral portion I41 softball its. radial spring arms 55 'flex outwardlyagainst and so as'to normallyf outwardly distendtheapplicator member 1. The

valve disks l2 are interconnected with the ends of 'thejspring arms it "by; means of draw pins f'i ll'ks- 31. where Ou war insi of spring arms I5"'-normal'ly' draws 'andholdss 7 Under such circumstances only a lim valve disks l2 in port closing position, subject to opening when said spring arms [5 are inwardly flexed under pressure applied to the applicator member.

In Figs. 7 and 8 there is shown another and somewhat simplified form of discharge applicator means which, however, embodies the general principles of this invention. In this arrangement, underlying the plate 5 having the ports I I is a single valve plate or disk l6, normally upwardly and yieldably pressed against the gasket faced underside of said plate 5 in port closing relation thereto. Said valve plate or disk It is yieldably thrust to such position by an underlying bowed spring member 16' which is footed by its ends against the walls of the shell or ferrule 2. Underlying the applicator member I is a perforate pressure responsive member or plate H, which is normally spaced above the top plate 5, and which is provided with a central dependent stud 58 adapted to extend through a central opening IS in said plate 5 so as to engage said valve plate or disk It. It will be obvious that, when pressure is applied to a marginal area of the applicator member I, such pressure will be transmitted through the member or plate i1 and its stud l8 to the valve plate or disk 16 so as to tilt the same and thereby open ports I! immediately adjacent to the area of pressure thus applied to the applicator member I. In such case the cleaning liquid will discharge through the thus opened ports H, and thence through the adjacent perforations of the member or plate 11, to the area of the applicator member I which is at work. On the other hand if pressure is exerted through the entire area of the applicator member I, i. e. perpendicular to its face plane, the valve plate or disk It will be bodily moved axially so as to open all ports ll of plate 5 to the discharge of the cleaning liquid to the applicator member I.

In Fig. 9 there is shown still another modified form of discharge applicator means, wherein is provided an upwardly open, hollow, stationary female valve member 20, the annular side walls 2| of which are provided with a circumferential row of ports 22. This female valve member 20 may be formed either as an integral part of the shell or ferrule 2 (as shown), or as an integral part of the flanged plate 5. If made in the former manner, said plate 5 is centrally cut away to expose the upwardly open side of said female valve member. Cooperative with said female valve member 2!] is an upwardly open, hollow, movable male valve member 23, the annular side walls 2 1 of which are provided with a circumferential row of ports 25 corresponding to those of the female valve member. The walls 25 of the male valve member slidingly interfit within the walls 2! of the female valve member. About and from the upper margins of the walls of the male valve member extends a lateral flange 26 to underlie the applicator member I. Arranged between the bottom of the female valve member 20 and the male valve member 23 is1 a bowed or other suitable form of spring 2! which yieldably thrusts the male valve member outwardly relative to the female valve member so that the respective ports 22 and 25 are disposed out of register, and consequently closed against outflow of liquid, while at the same time the upthrust of said male valve member also operates to distend the applicator member 1. If desired, the interior of the male valve member 23 may be filled with fibrous or like material, such as cotton, wool or the like. It will be obvious that, when pressure is applied to the applicator member inward movement of the male valve member 23 relative to the female valve member 20 is induced, whereby the valve ports 22 and 25 are brought into partial or complete registration thus controlling quantity emission of liquid accordingly.

Since many changes could be made, and widely different embodiments of the features of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the following claims, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:.

1. In combination with a container for dispensing fluent material, a discharge applicator means connected with the open end of said container comprising, an external pervious applicator member, a top plate intermediate said applicator member and the end opening of said container, said top plate having a plurality of vents spaced around the marginal portions thereof to respectively underlie different areas of said applicator member, a closure valve for each said vent opening, spring means having radial arms for the respective valves to yieldably and independently hold the same in vent closing position, and means connected with each valve responsive to pressure exerted upon said applicator member whereby to open one or more up to all of said valves accordingly as pressure is applied to selected areas or the entire area of said applicator member.

2. In combination with a container for dispensing fluent material, a discharge applicator means connected with the open end of said container comprising, an external pervious applicator member, a top plate intermediate said applicator member and the end opening of said container, said top plate having a plurality of vents respectively underlying different areas of said applicator member, resilient gasket means on the underside of said top plate bordering each vent, a closure valve for each said vent cooperative with the gasket bordered side thereof, a spider form spring member affixed to said top plate having radial spring arms respectively engaging the respective valves to yieldably and independently hold the same in vent closing position, and each valve having a pressure transmission stud upwardly p-rojecting through the corresponding vent so as to be responsive to pressure exerted upon said applicator member whereby to open one or more up to all of said valves accordingly as pressure is applied to selected areas or the entire area of said applicator member.

RUSSELL B. KINGMAN. 

